The 2003 holiday comedy film Bad Santa is about a con man who pretends to be Santa Claus so he can carry off department store robberies.

Billy Bob Thornton plays Willie T. Stokes, an alcoholic that takes seasonal jobs posing a unconventional Santa Claus for holiday displays in department stores and malls. Teaming up with his friend Marcus, played by Tony Cox, who dresses as an elf, they rob their employer following each Christmas. Willie is approached by a pudgy boy one day and the boy takes an interest in Willie, asking him many questions. The ordinarily heartless Willie starts spending more and more time with the boy, who lives with his elderly grandmother in a mansion. Willie teaches the kid how to stand up to the numerous bullies that torment him and the two form a unique relationship.